---
title: Yin and Yang
author: Dan Carter
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/968/yin-and-yang/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2026-04-22
---

# Yin and Yang

_Authored by Dan Carter_

## Image File

[![Yin and Yang](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/968.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/968.jpg)

## Image Caption

The Chinese [yin and yang](https://www.worldhistory.org/Yin_and_Yang/) are an important element of [Chinese philosophy](https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/218/chinese-philosophy/) and [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/), representing the principle that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites, the correct balance of which creates harmony. They are mutually dependent and contain at their core an element of their opposite, represented by the dots. Examples of opposite pairs include white-black, masculine-feminine, fire-water and rich-poor.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Carter, D. (2012, November 25). Yin and Yang. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/968/yin-and-yang/>
### Chicago
Carter, Dan. "Yin and Yang." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 25, 2012. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/968/yin-and-yang/>.
### MLA
Carter, Dan. "Yin and Yang." *World History Encyclopedia*, 25 Nov 2012, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/968/yin-and-yang/>.

## License & Copyright

[![copyright source](/images/partners/white-flickr.png)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannylakeboy/25380211/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannylakeboy/25380211/) by [**Dan Carter**](http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannylakeboy/25380211/). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 25 November 2012. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.